For some people, traditional relationships just don’t work.
There are a number of reasons why conventional relationships don’t work for some individuals – some people want to be in a committed relationship but be free to live their own lives at the same time.
Some people will only be in a relationship with someone if it’s unconventional or on their own terms.
You might be unsure of what an unconventional relationship is, so here is an overview just in case you ever decide to become involved in one:
An unconventional relationship is any relationship outside the societal “norm.”
People in unconventional relationships aren’t necessarily polygamists or “weirdos” like others often think.
For example, some people in unconventional relationships prefer living in separate households while still remaining in a committed relationship.
It doesn’t mean that they love each other any less than other couples, but they simply want to be free to do their own thing without someone else’s input.
They also want their own space so they can be their own person and not feel controlled by someone else.
People in unconventional relationships report being happier than people in traditional relationships because they live their own lives and don’t allow society to dictate who they are and how they live.
Some people in unconventional relationships refuse to do “normal” things like celebrating Valentine’s Day or other romantic holidays.
In fact, many of these couples create their own romantic-based holidays, such as the day they shared their first kiss, the day they went on their first date, and so on.
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How can I find someone to share an unconventional relationship with?
It’s true that most people you meet will be used to being in traditional relationships, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explain your beliefs to prospective mates.
Perhaps you can help them realize that unconventional relationships can create more happiness and fulfillment.
If your prospective mates are open-minded and looking for a truly different, yet meaningful, type of relationship, then chances are they will agree to enter such a relationship with you.
You might also have some luck finding some interested candidates if you search on popular dating sites.
By stating what you’re looking for upfront on your dating profile, you are letting love interests know what you’re looking for so there won’t be any confusion.
Some prospects will want to know what you mean by an unconventional relationship, and if they do, then you can thoroughly explain what this type of relationship entails.
If they agree and want to get to know you, great, but if not, you can move on to the next possibility. Don’t give up, because there are others who desire the same thing that you do.
How to explain to your family that you prefer unconventional relationships
Your family may not understand your views about relationships and may question your desire to be involved in an unconventional relationship.
First of all, you’re an adult and you have the right to have any type of relationship you want.
However, if a family member requests an explanation, especially your parents, then you can explain what an unconventional relationship is to them just like you would to anyone else.
Once you explain it, your parents and other family members should realize that you’re not in some weird cult or sex slave type of relationship.
When people don’t understand something, or when they’re introduced to a new term or a new way of living, they often jump to conclusions and begin thinking the worst.
Even if you decide to marry your partner one day and have children, if you prefer living in one house with one child, while your spouse lives next door with the other child, that’s ok.
To most people, this might seem extremely strange, but as long as you and your significant other (and children) are happy, you shouldn’t worry about what others think.
There is always going to be someone to judge you regardless of how you live your life, so you may as well live it in a manner that makes you happy.
How to come up with the “rules” for your unconventional relationship
Since you won’t be involved in a traditional relationship, you will likely need to create some rules that you and your significant other will live by.
Conversely, you may feel that you need no rules at all and the two of you should just live your lives as you desire.
For instance, if during the holidays you decide you want to go skiing with the girls from work instead of going to your partner’s parents’ home for dinner, then you should be able to do so without your partner becoming angry, as you and your partner will have an understanding.
The situation will be the same whenever your partner wants to do something, such as go to a football game on your birthday while you figure out another way to celebrate your special day.
It doesn’t mean that you don’t love your significant other or that he or she doesn’t love you.
It’s just living your life the way you both want to live, without being hassled, questioned, or made to feel guilty.
Open relationships
One specific type of unconventional relationship is an open one.
An open relationship is one in which both partners agree that they’re both able to date and have sexual encounters with other people.
This type of relationship, like any other type of relationship, has its share of pros and cons.
Here is a list of pros:
- You both get to remain in a committed relationship while exploring other people.
- You can engage in some exciting and new sexual acts that really enrich your lives.
- There’s more variety and you are unlikely to get bored.
Cons:
- There may be some jealously involved on your part as well as your partner’s.
- You’re likely to run out of time to see everyone you desire to see. With work, your partner, your family, as well as any possible children, you can only give your attention to so many people.
If you and your partner are considering making your relationship open, you need to sit down and discuss things in depth before you begin so you can ensure you’re both on the same page.
If you two aren’t prepared, despite its positive aspects, an open relationship can be challenging.
Even if you agree with it, it can be difficult to see your partner going out with others and engaging in sex with them, and vice versa.
Other types of unconventional relationships
There are other types of unconventional relationships as well. There is polygamy, in which there is one father, many children, and multiple mothers living in one home together.
There are people who love each other but, for one reason or another, decide to have a sexless relationship.
There are numerous other types of unconventional relationships, as well.
However, you and your significant other don’t have to conform to any other type of relationship, as you can create your own unconventional relationship.
Threesomes and more
Sometimes there are more than two people involved in a relationship, and this is certainly unconventional.
For instance, a husband and wife may invite another person into their lives and their bed on a regular basis.
This person may even live with the couple, and they may all be in love with each other.
While these types of arrangements sometimes work, there is often a great deal of jealously involved.
Some couples have no problems with having two lovers, and some even regularly swap partners or engage in orgies, which is fine if everyone involved is consenting and comfortable.
So, if you believe that an unconventional relationship is more desirable than a traditional one, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
It doesn’t mean that you’re strange or weird, and it simply means that you know exactly what you want out of a relationship.
More and more people are becoming interested in exploring different types of relationships, which might make finding your ideal mate a lot easier.
